By Staff
A few tickets are still left for the Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan's third annual community roast on Thursday, July 9 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Heritage Center at 601 Main St.in St. Joseph.
This year's honoree is Priscilla Upton Byrns who has a life long history of volunteerism in southwest Michigan. Mrs. Byrns, or Prill as she is known by her friends, was born and raised in St. Joseph and is the daughter of Whirlpool co-founder Frederick S. Upton.
In 1953 she married Chester Byrns in the church where the Heritage Center now stands and together they raised four children. Throughout her life she has been very active in many organizations including the YWCA, Symphony League, Olivet College, Frederick S. Upton Foundation, as well as her local senior center, garden club and musical club. This year she will be 80 years young and continues to volunteer. She credits her mother, Margaret B. Upton as the example that encouraged her and her siblings to be involved in the community. She is a living testament that to grow life time volunteers and active citizens we need to involve our youth in volunteerism.
Master of Ceremonies is Jim Gifford of Midwest Family Broadcasting. Dinner and wine will be provided by Tabor Hill Winery. A fundraising auction will also be held at the event.
A limited number of tickets are available at $75 per person. A limited number of tables of 8 may be reserved. Reservation forms are available at www.volunteerswmi.org. Tickets may also be purchased in Niles at 210 E. Main St., Suite 237.